Trustee Volunteer Roles

We are looking for new Trustees: Elmbridge CAN is a community-based, volunteer-powered charity, based in Elmbridge, Surrey, UK. We aim to build a culture of welcome to all displaced people within our local area and support them as they build new lives here.

We were formed in 2016 in the midst of the Syrian refugee crisis and have grown significantly to meet the needs of further arrivals, particularly those people displaced by the withdrawal of US and European forces from Afghanistan and those who have left Ukraine following the Russian invasion. We have a small paid staff team (equivalent to 5 FTE), and a volunteer board of 6 trustees. We have over 80 active volunteers and support approximately 300 displaced families, all of whom have been through their own unique and difficult journey.  Our work includes running community ESOL classes and local drop-in hubs, and supporting a number of individual one-to-one volunteer placements where community members help with job searching, homework help, local orientation and much more.

We are now looking to increase the size and scope of our Trustee Board to reflect and consolidate the growth and sustainability of the charity. 

We are looking for trustees who:

• Share our passion for welcoming those fleeing terror and violence in their home countries

• Have a background in charity trusteeship / other third sector management, safeguarding or risk management, or other relevant experience

• We always very much welcome applications from people who have experience of being displaced or of the UK asylum system. 

Our trustees

• Provide overall governance, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Charity Commission / Companies House requirements

• Are responsible for guiding and shaping the strategy of Elmbridge CAN

• Are responsible for the responsible financial management and sustainability of our charity 

• Provide support and guidance to our paid staff and volunteers

• Commit to attending trustee meetings in the evening about 5 times per year, generally in person but there may be scope to join online

• Have an opportunity to volunteer in areas of their interest and expertise.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter.

Steel City Schools Partnership (SCSP) is searching for an individual to join our board of trustees. SCSP is a Sheffield-based multi-academy trust of ten primary schools, serving around 3500 pupils located in the north and south of the city. SCSP anticipates further growth within Sheffield.

Trust Ethos and Values

SCSP was set up to deliver its mission: To provide an excellent education for all. We are aiming for Achieving Excellence in educational outcomes for children through the delivery of an ambitious enriching curriculum, Sustaining Excellence through the development of our workforce and Sharing Excellence across schools and through partnerships. This is supported through targeted and effective school improvement. Each school will consistently seek to improve on its previous best, whilst accepting collective responsibility for ensuring that all schools within the partnership are supported to improve.

The Role of a Trustee

The main purpose of the Trust Board is to take a strategic role, act as a critical friend to the Trust and its constituent schools, and be accountable for its decisions. The Trustees are responsible for the governance and supervision of the Trust and its committees. Trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing how it is managed and run.

Trustees also ensure that the Trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements. The Trust board works closely with the CEO and COO who are responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Trust and its schools. The role of the board is strategic.

Trustees work together to carry out their core functions:

1. ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
3. overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
4. ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard.

Join Chailey Heritage Foundation as a Trustee and help shape the future for children and young people living with complex disabilities.

Applications close Tuesday 6th May.

Location: North Chailey, Lewes, Sussex, BN8 4EF

Who we are.

For over a century, Chailey Heritage Foundation has been a beacon of support for children and young people living with complex disabilities.

Our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school, welcoming residential homes and bustling centre combining gym and art therapy, a farm and café create a thriving community of support.  Our expert teams dedicate time, patience and curiosity to nurturing the potential of every child and young person who comes to us.

Our expertise, innovation and unwavering commitment have made us a leader in our field.

Every day, we witness the extraordinary impact of our work—a child using assistive technology to communicate for the first time, a young adult gaining the confidence to take their first steps towards adulthood, or a family finding the specialist support they need to navigate a world that often feels inaccessible. None of this happens by chance; it is the result of dedicated professionals, pioneering approaches, and strong governance.

A Board for the Future

With the launch of our new 5 year strategy and with some retirements coming up on the Board, we are looking to expand our Board and bring in new expertise to help us navigate this next chapter.

The Role of a Trustee

Trustees at Chailey Heritage Foundation play a crucial role in shaping our strategy, ensuring our financial resilience, and maintaining the high standards that define our work. This is a critical time for us as we adapt to a changing landscape in education, healthcare, and social care. We need Trustees who are not only passionate about our mission but who can bring insight, leadership and challenge to our discussions.

About the role.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in the following areas – you could come with a variety of the following skills:

• Education, SEND: experience in special educational needs, disability policy, or practice
• Clinical: medical, nursing, therapy, or allied health professions
• Social Care: understanding of policy, and best practice in social care for children and adults
• Safeguarding: understanding of safeguarding of children and adults
• Finance: a Chartered Accountant with recent or current leadership experience
• Digital: IT, data, or technology transformation including assistive technology

A Rewarding Commitment

The role of a Trustee is voluntary but highly rewarding. On average, Trustees contribute around one day per month to the role, attending at least three Board meetings per year and participating in one or more sub-committees focused on key areas such as safeguarding, finance and quality standards. Overall, including ad hoc conversation with Board Members and the executive, we expect the time commitment to be the equivalent of a day a month.

Interviews will include a tour and round-table discussion with a small panel consisting of the Chair of Trustees, CEO, and one other Trustee relevant to the skills we are seeking.

We understand that joining a Board is a significant commitment, which is why we provide a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support to ensure new Trustees feel confident in their role. You will be joining a highly engaged, committed group of professionals who work together to ensure that Chailey Heritage Foundation continues to make a life-changing impact.

Join Us

If you believe in what we do and want to use your skills to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or considering your first Board role, we encourage applications from individuals who share our commitment to enabling children and young people with complex disabilities to thrive.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Tuesday 6th May.

Join Menphys as a Trustee – Make a Difference with Your Accountancy Skills!

Are you a numbers whiz with a heart for making a real impact? Menphys, a dynamic and passionate charity supporting disabled children and their families, is on the lookout for a dedicated Trustee with an accountancy background. This is a voluntary role where your expertise can help shape the future of an incredible organisation!

Who Are We?

Menphys has been at the heart of the community for over 50 years, providing life-changing support, inclusive activities, and vital resources for disabled children and their families. Our mission is simple: to create a world where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

The Role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a key part in overseeing our financial sustainability, ensuring transparency, and guiding strategic decisions. We need someone who can bring financial expertise, insight, and a fresh perspective to our Board, helping us continue to grow and make a difference.

What We’re Looking For:

• A qualified or training accountant or finance professional (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)
• Experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and risk management
• A passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities
• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to Board discussions
• Commitment to attending monthly Board meetings and occasional subcommittees

What’s In It for You?

• The chance to use your skills for an inspiring cause
• Join a supportive and friendly team of fellow Trustees
• Gain valuable board-level experience
• Make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families

If you’re ready to be part of something truly special and give back in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today or get in touch for an informal chat.

We specifically need a Finance Trustee but would also love to hear from people with experience in leadership, diversity and inclusion, information governance, HR, fundraising and event management.

Dear Prospective Trustee

Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML). This pack sets out more information about the charity, the board, the role of a trustee, and how to apply.

We are excited about the future and are looking for energetic, talented and committed individuals to help support the charity as trustees to continue its incredible work for the people of Merton and Lambeth.

What we do

CAML is one of the busiest advice charities in London.  We support individuals and families who live, work or study primarily in the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth and also elsewhere (dependent on service).  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting individuals and our communities.

We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors over 85 years ago. We have had an extremely busy few years, with individuals and families increasingly seeking our support with the cost of living crisis.  Our support and services are as important today as they were when our work began.

We are part of the national Citizens Advice network of over 240 local charities that deliver advice across the country.

In FY 23/24, we supported over 25,000 individuals.  Our information, support and advice services are provided via telephone, online, video conferencing and face-to-face.  We provide face-to-face support from two CAML offices and multiple outreach venues in local communities.  Our aim is to empower people to better help themselves, but we are always here with further support if needed. 

CAML in 2025

CAML is at an important point in its history. Demand for our services continues to accelerate as high levels of hardship become an established reality for many people living in our boroughs.  The two boroughs we serve contain pockets of wealth and affluence, but also feature areas of significant poverty and deprivation where our services are most depended upon.

At the same time, similar to many charities, we face funding challenges – not least given the majority of our funds come from our local authorities. Our current turnover is over £1.2m a year. Like others, CAML faces funding challenges often related to changes in central government policies and local government financial challenges, with a need to look at new ways of diversifying income streams.

The organisation has a strong foundation from which to deliver in this difficult environment – particularly with a team that is committed to our clients and expert in giving quality advice. We also have positive working relationships with our funders, councils and partners, and a strong local reputation.

Our leadership

The operational leadership and management of CAML is carried out by our CEO, Simon Shimmens, with three senior managers and a team of around 40 staff and 20 volunteers. Short biographies of our existing trustees are available on our website.

The role of the Board

Each trustee has a responsibility to contribute to discharging the Board’s responsibilities. We do this by:

● Regularly preparing for, attending and participating in meetings

● Understanding the business of CAML

● Contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance

● Monitoring our services, ensuring compliance with our governing documents and policies and monitoring maintenance of Citizens Advice standards

● Monitoring the charity’s financial position and ensuring it operates within its means and delivers on its objectives with clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management

● Supporting the charity’s development through participation in agreed projects

● Actively seeking to further CAML’s strategic objectives and acting in its best interest at all times

Above all we are looking for people with strategic vision and independent judgement who together can support the charity and its executive team. As trustees we are visible to our staff and volunteers, engaging and recognising the excellent work they do. Each trustee is expected to spend time with service delivery staff and volunteers, ideally at least once a year. 

You will be a genuine team player, able to support colleagues, input constructively and positively to discussions and to support and uphold collective decisions. 

As a trustee you will support the charity’s values and objectives and will act as a positive and genuine advocate promoting the work of the charity within your personal networks and to the wider world. 

The commitment we need

Each trustee attends quarterly Board meetings and is a member of one of the delegated authority sub-committees – Finance and People – which also meet once a quarter.

While the precise nature will differ month-to-month, this is likely to average at eight to ten hours a month. This allows for board and committee meetings, reading papers in advance of these, ad-hoc actions and discussions, and visiting CAML’s services.

Board meetings are currently held in person in our Mitcham Office, with sub-committee meetings held remotely. Across the Board, we attend key events such as Volunteers’ Week and charity events/activities.

Particular skills/experiences we’re seeking

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our strong and dynamic Board.

We would particularly welcome applications from those with skills and experiences to help complement the current Board. Our priority recruitment areas are:

●HR: We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition as well as staff and trustee training and development. We are seeking a trustee with senior HR experience to support the strategic oversight of our People approach.

●Accountancy: Financial oversight is an integral part of a well-functioning trustee Board. We are looking to further bolster this expertise within the Board to provide support for our Treasurer if required.

●Pensions: CAML has a legacy Defined Benefit pension scheme (closed to new entrants) and a Defined Contribution scheme. We are looking for an individual with actuarial or pension trustee skills to advise the Board with regard to our pension schemes, and whether we should be looking to make any changes.

●Legal: We are looking to further expand our legal expertise on the Board. We particularly welcome interest from individuals with experience in charity law however all applicants with legal experience are welcomed.

In addition to these skills, we would welcome applications from candidates with previous trustee experience and/or applicants who may be open to taking on the role of Vice-Chair (further information can be provided on this if requested).

The benefits of being a trustee with CAML

Although the role of a trustee is unpaid (reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed), there are many reasons to join us, including:

● Being a trustee is one of the most powerful ways in which you can contribute to your local community and to a cause you care about.

● Corporations of all sizes take voluntary and community enriching activities seriously with trusteeship considered an effective method of professional development and community engagement.

● Being a trustee is a fantastic way of developing your strategic experience and oversight, giving you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.

● Being a trustee can open up your professional network.

How to apply

Follow the link to our website and complete the relevant documents at the bottom of the advert.

We are recruiting on a rolling basis and are considering applications as and when we receive them. This recruitment remains live until 30th June 2025.

All applications are considered by a trustee panel, with shortlisted candidates then invited to an interview, to take place within a month of receiving their application. 

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

We are looking for Trustees interested in Disabled People's Organisations and Independent Living, who have skills relevant to Board governance.

The Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) is a person-led not-for-profit organisation. We work with disabled people regardless of their impairments, people with long-term conditions and older people, parents and carers. We support people in Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian.

LCiL support Independent Living. Independent Living means all disabled people having the same freedom, choice, dignity, and control as other citizens at home, at work, and in the community. It does not mean living by yourself or fending for yourself. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life.

The Opportunity

LCiL is looking to recruit up to four new board members. You would be joining the organisation at a crucial and exciting time. After some staffing issues and dealing with the loss of our much-loved Chair in early January, the organisation has now settled under the leadership of its former CEO who has returned in an interim capacity. One of her primary tasks is to recruit a permanent Chief Executive with guidance from the Board. Thus, she is also supporting the growth of this new team of Board members alongside our existing Directors. LCiL is a vibrant Disabled People’s Organisation, and as such we are looking for individuals with experience of disability or with a strong interest in Independent Living for Disabled People. Additionally, you would bring relevant professional skills to the role.

We are currently looking for individuals with experience in business development, customer care, volunteer support, communications (digital), Human Resources (HR), deputy chair/convenor, board Secretary, Company Secretarial matters, governance, finance, policy and fundraising. However, we are happy to discuss any other experience and skills you feel would contribute to LCiL’s success.

Please refer to the Board Information Pack for further information.

Application process

To apply, please send a letter of interest (2 sides of one A4 page) , or a 5 minute video, explaining:

Why you would like to become a Trustee of LCiL?

What you can offer to the organisation?

How our organisation could help you in your role?

You may also wish to attach/send your CV.

Application deadline

We looking forward to receiving your application, please send it by 12 noon on Tuesday 22 April 2025.

After this point letters of interest will be reviewed by the Board and the interim CEO. If selected, you will be invited to an informal interview, most likely online, with one or several members of the Board and the Interim CEO. After the interview, if both you and the Board are happy for you to join the Board, we will offer you a position on a trial basis.

Special Notice: We are disability confident employer and as such we encourage everyone to share any support requirements with our recruitment team as we are always willing to assist with all information at our disposal. This can be done by emailing us.

A company Limited by Guarantee.  Registered in Scotland 129392.  Charity No SC/017954

Mary Ward Settlement

Join our board as we expand to reach new communities in London helping people learn new skills, access justice, combat social isolation, and enhance their health and wellbeing

What will you be doing?

 Mary Ward Settlement (‘MWS’) is seeking additional trustees to join its Board at an exciting time for the charity.  Our award-winning centre in Stratford, East London is expanding.  We are growing our legal and mental health services and expanding our range of exciting and innovative opportunities in education, to enable people to forge new careers, develop new interests and to join and enjoy a community of people with shared interests.  

The trustees will have the experience to steer the strategic development of the organisation in close collaboration with the CEO and senior management team.  Trustees have the ultimate responsibility for making decisions on the governance of the MWS, ensuring that we are financially sustainable, well-run and committed to delivering our charitable responsibilities.

We currently work from two centres, in Stratford and Southwark. If you live or work in the East of London, particular in the boroughs of Newham and surrounding area, or Southwark, Lambeth and the South East of London we are especially keen to hear from you.

We are seeking people with enthusiasm, good interpersonal skills, and empathy and understanding of our service uses, who are prepared to use their experience and skills to achieve the objectives of MWS.

Ideally new trustees should have skills that complement those of the existing members of the Board and we are particularly interested in applications from individuals that can demonstrate significant experience in one or more of the following areas: 

· Finance for a role as trustee treasurer - holding a relevant qualification in accounting and with financial experience

· Education, especially experience on school or higher education governance boards

· Marketing especially in relation to education services

· Health, especially mental health provision and public health delivery   

The Board recognises that diversity of trustees is vital if we are to operate with excellence.  We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds.  If you'd like to be a Board member but face barriers in applying, we would be glad to support you.

Being a trustee will enable you to both contribute your current skills and experience to MWS and build new skills, knowledge and experience.. 

 In particular, trustees will be able to gain the following skills and experiences:

· Experience of steering the strategy of a longstanding non-profit organisation

· Leadership, stakeholder management and influencing skills

What are we looking for?

In addition to professionalism, interpersonal skills and empathy, ideally, new trustees should have skills that complement those of the existing members of the Board and we are particularly interested in applications from individuals that can demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas: 

· Education, especially experience on school or higher education governance boards or an education charity

· Finance – holding a relevant qualification in accounting such as ACCA, CIPFA, ACA, ACMA, CPA, CGMA or significant experience in a financial role*

· Marketing especially with experience in education services

· Health, especially in mental health provision and public health delivery

*Appendix 1 sets out the additional requirements for this position which also acts as Treasurer.

We are especially interested in hearing from those who have direct experience of structural disadvantage, with lived experience that reflects our service users, and those living or working in or near the London boroughs we serve - Newham and the North East and Southwark and the South East.  

What difference will you make?

The Mary Ward Settlement is a London charity founded in the 1890s ‘to provide public education and social services for the benefit of the community’. For over a century  our  education centres and our legal services have continued to develop to enable Londoners to improve their life chances. We help people learn new skills, get back into work, access justice, combat social isolation, and enhance their health and wellbeing. Joining our board enables you to play a part in this work by contributing your skills, experience and understanding of the needs of our service users to ensure this extraordinary organisation continues in its mission.  

Person specification

In addition to the general qualities required for a Trustee, the Treasurer Trustee ideally should have:

• Extensive working experience of accounting/financial management 

• A relevant financial qualification.

• Experience of finance and pension schemes.

• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

• Good communication skills especially in meetings and for presentation (for example at AGM).

How to apply and find out more

Please apply by emailing, with a cover letter, telling us why you are interested in the role and the objectives of the charity.  You can either detail your relevant qualifications and experience in the covering letter, or attach a CV . There will be an initial informal conversation with the chair or a long-standing board member so you can ask questions about the organisation.  You will then have the opportunity to speak to the CEO informally before an interview with 2 trustees. We will endeavour to arrange times and meeting places to suit you.     

Trustee – Role Description

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Age Concern Todmorden achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Age Concern Todmorden has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the team to enable Age Concern Todmorden to thrive, supporting older people.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals. 

Duties

• Support and provide advice on Age Concern Todmordens purpose, vision, goals and activities. 
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Age Concern Todmorden’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Age Concern Todmorden’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Age Concern Todmorden’s Service Manager in the exercise of any delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Age Concern Todmorden’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Age Concern Todmorden’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Age Concern Todmorden’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Age Concern Todmorden’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. And attend relevant training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values 

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending Board meetings and AGM

Registered charity number 1145993. Company number 7881902.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are looking for a number of trustees to join our board who are able to support the growth of Twinkleboost CIO. We are looking for a trustee with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Experience of grant writing and bid applications

• Experience of income generation within a charity

• Experience of accounting

• A academic background of Speech and Language Therapy

• Personal experience of facing challenges as a parent

• Those living in the areas Twinkleboost operates: Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester

• Experience of business or management

Twinkleboost CIO equips new parents with the skills they need to support their child’s communication development, so children can have better outcomes in life.

We deliver this support in the non-threatening context of a fun; multi-sensory parent and baby class; led by Speech and Language Therapy Assistants. Each week, parents and carers are taught an evidence-based speech and language strategy which is practiced throughout the session. We focus on providing free sessions to families of children living in disadvantaged areas and children with SEND.

Becoming a Trustee

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee with Citizens Advice Cheshire West. This information pack should provide you with useful and important information about our organization and what it means to be one of our Trustees. 

Citizens Advice Cheshire West Aims 

• To ensure the right advice for everyone, ensuring people do not suffer because they do not understand their rights and responsibilities, or because they are unable to express their needs effectively.
• To improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives by campaigning about issues that affect our clients and influencing decision-makers locally and nationally.

Our vision

• To be THE go-to charity for advice & support in Cheshire West

Our mission

• We advise, support and empower people to improve their lives
• We are accessible and known to all for the best, impartial advice
• We influence policy for a more equal and inclusive society

Our values

• We care about what we do and the people we work with
• We champion justice, fairness and equality
• We adapt to keep pace with a changing world

What skills/experience do you need to have?

You don’t need any specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee.
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different from your own.
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to exercise good independent judgement.
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer.
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.
• Be willing to undertake training for your role.

What’s in it for you?

• Make a positive impact for local people by ensuring Citizens Advice Cheshire West is sustainable and able to meet the needs of the community.
• Build relationships with staff, volunteers and other trustees.
• Build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills.
• Increase your employability.

And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

Citizens Advice Service

The Citizens Advice service is made up of national Citizens Advice and a network of around 290 local Citizens Advice members. 

The Citizens Advice service is based on four principles:

• Independent - We will always act in the interests of our clients, without influence from outside bodies
• Impartial - We don’t judge our clients or make assumptions about them.  Our service is open to everyone and we treat everyone equally.
• Confidential - We won’t pass anything on what a client tells us, or even the fact they have visited, without permission.
• Free - No client has to pay for any part of the service we provide.

We help resolve people’s problems by accessing a large electronic information system to ensure our clients are given accurate, up-to-date information on their rights and responsibilities. We also aim to change policies and practices that affect our clients, and we call this Research and Campaigns.

What does Citizens Advice Cheshire West do?

Citizens Advice Cheshire West provides general and specialist legal help to everyone in the Cheshire West area.

We give advice to help people overcome the problems they face, in areas such as benefits, debt, employment, housing, relationships and immigration.

We use our knowledge about our clients’ problems to identify trends and campaign to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.

We have specialist services including money advice, welfare rights, and energy advice, Help to Claim and Pension Wise service. 

Our local service has over 100 trained volunteers and paid staff.  We deal with over 15,000 clients each year, via face to face interviews, over the telephone and through email & webchat.

Our aim is to provide “impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities”, irrespective of who they are and what background they are from. We encourage all staff and volunteers to welcome diversity, to respect the individuality of each person and value their contributions.

Everyone that uses or needs our service needs to know that we are free, impartial, confidential and independent. We want people to feel comfortable using our service, know that they can get advice when they need it and receive a good service that meets their needs.

What does a trustee have to do?

• Complete an induction.
• Gain and maintain an awareness of how Citizens Advice Cheshire West operates.
• Read papers for Board meetings and attend 7 meetings per year.
• Be willing to work on projects with other trustees and/or paid staff.
• Attend 1 Trustee Development Day per year.
• Take an active discussion during board meetings and work with other trustees to: 
• set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of Citizens Advice Cheshire West;
• Make a positive impact for local people by ensuring Citizens Advice Cheshire West is sustainable and able to meet the needs of the community;
• Build relationships with staff, volunteers and other trustees;
• seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community;
• ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers; and 
• review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.
• monitor the financial position ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management;
• ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems are in order including that full financial records are kept for all transactions, that money is only spent for the purpose given, and that proper financial controls are in place to safeguard the organisation’s resources;

How much time do you need to give?

• There are at least 5 two-hour Trustee Board meetings per year, usually held between 5pm and 7pm.
• 1 day per year to attend a Trustee Board Development Day.
• Trustees may be asked to attend additional meetings from time to time, including during office hours.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss flexibility and how we can support you, please contact us. 

Contact details

If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Nicki Berg, Head of People:

To apply 

To apply, please download and complete our application form on our website.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The Oaklea Group, which helps people of all ages to learn, develop and thrive is looking for up to three new trustees. Working across the North of England, the Group’s purpose is to give vulnerable people the opportunity to live and work as independently as possible within their community.

We pride ourselves in providing support for people and communities in the kindest possible way. 

We are seeking to appoint 2-3 additional Trustees. We are particularly keen to hear from people with senior experience of:

· Strategic planning/Change management

· Organisational development and growth

· Income generation/fundraising

· Knowledge of Marketing and/or PR campaign development

· Working with CQC and/or to delivered person centred health and social care

· Governance of a Charity/CiC Group

If you are looking to give something back to the community and to share your skills and experience, this opportunity could be perfect for you. We are particularly keen to broaden and deepen the diversity of our Board and to ensure we have members from right across the North of England.

Why now?

The current Board of Trustees is working with the new Group CEO and wider Executive Team to set the strategic direction of the Group. Our current priorities include working with commissioners, partner organisations, funders, donors and others to build sustainability, deliver growth and build brand recognition.

The commitment:

· The Board meets four-five times a year in person.

· Sub-committee meetings are generally held via Zoom and take place 2 – 5 times per year.

· Additional strategy development days may also be planned as we work to plan, deliver and evaluate our next chapter.

· Currently all meetings happen in the mornings, Monday – Friday, although this is subject to change.

· Training is provided and, where appropriate, expenses will be covered. Lunch is commonly provided during longer meetings.

How to apply:

If you think you have the skills, experience energy and enthusiasm we need, we would love to hear from you.

 For an informal discussion please contact our HR Departmentwho will arrange a time for you to have an informal discussion with the Group Chair or CEO.

Closing date: 18th April 2025

Join Our Board and Change Young Lives Across South London

Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C., is seeking up to 3 new Trustees to help us expand our impact and change even more young lives across south London through the power of sport. Each Trustee will bring their own area of expertise to our Board, complementing our existing strengths and adding significant value to our organisation. We are particularly keen to hear from passionate individuals who have experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• High-Net-Worth (HNW) Fundraising
• Corporate Fundraising
• Employability Programmes
• Charitable Grant Funding (especially from public sector sources)
• Schools and Education
• Safeguarding
• Facilities Development and Management
• Youth Voice

Successful candidates will share our passion for using sport and the Palace brand to inspire young people, helping them lead healthier lives and achieve brighter futures. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, recognising the value that diverse perspectives bring to our Board.

Trustee Obligations:

• Attend 4 face-to-face Board meetings per year.
• Provide strategic oversight, expertise, and guidance to the charity.
• Represent and champion the Foundation in the wider community.
• Conduct regular meetings with staff counterpart/s.
• Take responsibility for matters relating to designated areas of the organisation.

This is a voluntary position and is not remunerated. The deadline for applications is 1st May 2025. The expected time commitment is approximately 1 day per month. The term length is 3 years, with potential to extend up to 9 years.

If you have the skills, passion, and commitment to help us grow and transform young lives, we would love to hear from you. Together, let's harness the power of Palace to make an even greater difference in our community.

It's an exciting time to join The Access Foundation, with opportunities to develop your skills & help shape our future. If you're committed, enthusiastic & known to make a difference, please apply. We welcome individuals who have no trustee experience. 

What is the Access Foundation all about?

The Access Foundation was set up in 2021, following the success and growth of The Access Group. While The Access Foundation is affiliated with the Access Group in terms of its identity, the Foundation is a separate organisation, governed by an independent board of trustees and with its own objectives. 

The Access Foundation is focused on awarding grants to charities which make a valuable and measurable positive impact.  The grant giving objectives of the Foundation fall into three categories: 

1. to bridge the digital divide by making computing facilities, support and learning available to disadvantaged and vulnerable people

1. to advance the charitable causes of the registered charities chosen as the "Access Group Company Charities of the Year"

1. to help charities nominated by employees of the Access group with which they have strong emotional connections with.  

The Foundation funds charitable projects and activities which make a real difference to people’s lives in all the countries where the Access Group operates, and we aim to award grants to a total value of at least £10 million over the next 5 years.

This is an exciting time to join The Foundation, with opportunities to develop your skills and help shape our future. If you are committed, enthusiastic and known to make a difference, please apply. We welcome applications from individuals who have no experience of being a trustee. We will provide support.  

The Role of Trustee at The Access Foundation 

The trustees of the Access Foundation are responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity, known collectively as the Board of Trustees.  The Board is responsible for the direction of The Foundation and ensures it is solvent, well run and delivers on our charitable objectives.  

As a trustee to the Foundation, you’ll attend: 

• Two regular online weekly meetings to review grant applications and to ensure the operational management of the Foundation, totalling about 2.5 hours 

• An all-day team meeting in person (every 2 months, usually in London) to progress the above, as well as progressing strategy 

• Completing actions as agreed in the meetings above. 

The total time commitment is expected to be at least 6 hours per week. 

Desirable Qualities 

As a trustee, you will show: 

• Your commitment to the organisation and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. 

• You’re an advocate of equal opportunity, and you actively promote diversity. 

• Good and independent judgement and you’re willing to speak your mind.

• Strategic vision and your ability to think creatively and challenge current thinking and operating, in a constructive manner. 

• You work effectively as a member of a team. 

• Your ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data. 

• You’re well versed in Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel and the Office365 environment 

• You can deliver “hands on” services to the organisation

Skills and Experience Required 

As a trustee, you can demonstrate specific knowledge and experience in one or more of these areas: 

• Charity law, compliance and governance, 

• Grant management, particularly within an international context as well as the UK, 

• Leadership or management of a medium to large organisation, ideally with multiple and/or diverse sites or subsidiaries, 

• Financial management, specifically investment and treasury functions, 

• Data analysis and/or research. 

• Change management, 

• Monitoring and evaluating performance in the commercial and/or not for profit sector, 

• Recruitment and human resources expertise, including employment legislation, 

• Business development, 

• Risk management, 

• Marketing, media and PR, 

• Business or intellectual property law. 

Duties and responsibilities 

The Trustees of the Access Foundation: 

• Ensure the Foundation achieves its charitable objects as defined in the Articles of Association, by establishing a clear vision, a set of values and strategy, and ensuring that there is a common understanding of these by trustees, staff and associated personnel. 

• Ensure that operational plans and budgets support the vision and strategy of the Foundation and uses its resources exclusively to pursue our charitable objectives. 

• Ensure that the views of stakeholders are regularly sought and considered and there is regular review of the external environment for changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, competitive, partnerships, alliances). 

• Ensure that the organisation complies with the Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 

• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation, protect and manage the assets of the organisation (financial or otherwise) and ensure the proper investment of its funds. 

• Ensure the Foundation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees. 

• Ensure a well thought through risk management process is in place and give serious consideration to procuring external professional advice on any matter that presents a material risk to the charity that is beyond the established risk management process, or where the trustees could be perceived to be in breach of their duties. 

• Ensure that the organisation has a fit for purpose governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objects, and reflects the diversity of its stakeholders. 

• Ensure that the board regularly reviews its own training needs and creates an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation. 

• Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein 

The applications close on the 15th February and the interview process will start w/c 17th February. We are looking for 2 trustees and look to appoint mid-March.

We are working in partnership with Anvil Arts, an independent charitable trust, and the largest performing arts organisation in Hampshire. They operate three fantastic cultural venues in Basingstoke, including The Anvil (1,400-seat), which is renowned as one of the top 5 concert halls in country. Within the same building is The Forge – an intimate 95-seat studio theatre, and in the heart of the town centre is The Haymarket, a 400-seat theatre set within a Grade II listed building.

Anvil Arts creates a year-round programme encompassing the best in music, performance, cultural education, arts participation, and outreach work. Since opening in 1994, they have sold over 5,000,000 tickets and brought audiences to Basingstoke from as far afield as Argentina, Iceland, Canada, and Japan. 

They are now seeking to appoint new Trustees. Experienced and committed individuals are sought to join and expand the Board, supporting the implementation of the organisation’s ambitious plans and to make a major contribution to the future success of the organisation. 

We actively encourage expressions of interest from individuals with experience in any the following key areas: 

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Community Engagement / Learning and Participation
• Commercial Arts

A successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to Anvil Arts and its objectives, and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the duties of a trustee.
• Previous experience as a trustee is desired although not essential.
• Finance: Post-qualification membership of a recognised professional accountancy body (e.g. ACCA or CIMA) or qualified by experience
• Fundraising: Fundraising experience, ideally with exposure to fundraising in the arts and culture sector
• Community Engagement: Experience of serving in a role focused on community engagement, participation, or outreach
• Commercial Arts: Substantial commercial experience at the executive level running either an artistic programme or the commercial aspects of a venue at a similar scale. Ideally someone with broad programme experience

We are seeking strategic and creative individuals, with good communication and interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy, who can serve the Board with integrity, fairness, and independent judgement. 4 Board meetings are held annually, which are a mix of in-person and virtual, plus an Away Day and opportunities to support and attend events. Trustees can serve for three years, with the option to remain on for a second term.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 4th May 2025

Interview with Anvil Arts: w/c 19th May onwards

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the EOD on Friday 9th May in preparation for submission to Anvil Arts on Monday 12th May